How many quarts of transmission fluid Chevy Silverado 1500? (Explained)

The Chevy Silverado 1500 is a sturdy built truck with a maximum towing capacity of 13,300 pounds. The vehicle possesses a ten-speed automatic transmission system that keeps the moving part of the vehicle running smoothly.

Because the Chevy Silverado 1500 generates too much heat, the transmission fluid thins out and dries faster than a regular truck. To prevent your chevy Silverado 2015 from internal mechanism damages, you need to change the transmission fluid consistently.

It is the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) that promotes thermal stability and produces the right friction in your Silverado’s gear change. Given the importance of the transmission fluid, it is crucial to know the type that is acceptable by your Chevy Silverado 1500 and how many quarts are needed.

Learn all you need to know about the transmission fluid, its importance, and the amount required to run your chevy Silverado 2015 under the proper condition in this quick read

How many quarts of transmission fluid Chevy Silverado 1500?

In short on average a chevy Silverado 1500 uses 10 quarts of transmission fluid. For most Chevrolet Silverado 1500, the transmission fluid capacity is around 7 to 13 quarts depending on the year manufactured.

To ensure you have the right figure, refer to the manual that came with your Silverado 1500 To enjoy optimum use of your Chevy Silverado, maintenance is key. One of the crucial parts of the vehicle that you must pay attention to is the transmission system.

To maintain the transmission system, you need to change the fluid consistently. A Chevy Silverado 1500 on average requires a change in its transmission fluid every 30,000 miles.

Although the fluid does not dry off unless there is a leak, you still need to change it to remove particles and debris. As the fluid deteriorates, its ability to keep the transmission system lubricated diminishes.

What kind of transmission fluid does a Chevy Silverado 1500 take?

There are many automatic transmission fluids available in the market. However, only a selected few can be used in the Chevy Silverado 1500 models.

Most chevy Silverado 1500 come with manuals that indicate the right transmission fluid you can use. All automatic transmission Chevy Silverado should use DEXRON-ViATF automatic transmission fluid as recommended by the manufacturer.

These are some of the recommended transmission fluids by auto specialists for your chevy Silverado 1500 models;

• Transmax ATF DEXRON®-IV automatic transmission fluid
• Transmax ATF Full Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid
• Valvoline – MaxLife Multi-Vehicle (ATF) Full Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid
• Valvoline – ATF for Mercon®V Applications Conventional
• Valvoline – DEXRON®-VI ATF Full Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid
• Castrol – Transmax ATF High Mileage Automatic Transmission Fluid

What is transmission fluid?

Vehicles can either have a manual, or an automatic transmission system. The transmission system is how power created by a vehicle’s engine is transferred to the driving wheels.

For the transmission system to function well, there is a need for some sort of lubrication. That lubrication is called the transmission fluid. Vehicles run by a manual transmission system require a distinct fluid since it does not work like an automatic transmission system.

The former is run by the manual transmission fluid which is usually brown to amber in color. The fluid ensures proper shift quality, durability, and synchronizer compatibility in the manual auto transmission system. Automatic transmission fluid is used in any vehicle with an automatic transmission system.

It ensures proper performance, operation, and protects the automatic vehicle’s transmission system. The ATF usually has a reddish or greenish color and is thinner than the manual transmission fluid. Other types of transmission fluid are a specialty and synthetic transmission fluids.

How important is transmission fluid?

Transmission fluid is very crucial to ensure the proper functioning of your vehicle. A truck like a Chevy Silverado 1500 produces so much heat that if the transmission fluid is absent, the vehicle will not move at all.

When there is no transmission fluid, the car gear cannot spin since there is no hold. As an implication, the transmission system may need complete replacement.

Even when the transmission fluid is low, the system overheats due to the wear and tear caused by the friction. Especially for vehicles with an automatic transmission system, you need to ensure that you do not go low or run out of fluid.

Below are what transmission fluids offer your vehicle; Heat resistance and thermal stability in your truck’s transmission system

1. Protects metal surfaces from wear and tear
2. Enables proper friction when changing gears
3. Conditions your truck’s gasket
4. Promotes the durability of your vehicle
5. Stabilizes viscosity in different temperature changes

Transmission fluid is as important as the fuel your vehicle runs on. Without oil, your truck’s transmission becomes a mess and may destroy the whole system completely.

Can you put any type of transmission fluid on a Chevrolet Silverado?

No, you should not put just any type of transmission fluid in a Chevrolet Silverado. The Chevy Silverado trucks come with manuals that indicate the recommended fluid type that works with its transmission system.

Using any transmission fluid may pose a problem to the system of your Chevy Silverado. First, you need a transmission fluid that suits your truck. If yours has a manual transmission system, it will be detrimental to use ATF.

To avoid any issues, use the recommended transmission fluid in the Chevy Silverado’s manual. The recommended transmission fluid will meet the internal specifications required by the vehicle and allow it to run smoothly.

Is it easy to change Silverado 1500 transmission fluid?

Changing the transmission fluid in your Silverado 1500 requires a straightforward process. All you need is a new transmission filter, gasket, and an O-ring. Other tools you need are a screwdriver, brake cleaner, socket wrenches, wheel chocks, mallet, and a long neck funnel. Once you have the above tools, follow the steps below to change the transmission oil in your Silverado 1500;

1. Turn on your truck engine for 10 to 20 minutes. That would warm up the fluid in the transmission system and allow you to drain the old one.
2. Loosen the bolts from your transmission pan. Careful not to spill hot fluid on yourself while at it.
3. Drain the old fluid in the pan by tilting it.
4. Remove the old gasket and clean any metal remains you see on the surface.
5. Remove the old transmission filter and O-ring and drain the fluid in it.
6. Fix the new transmission filter while ensuring that the O-ring is in place.
7. Fix the new gasket
8. Refill the transmission pan with the new fluid and replace the earlier removed bolts.
9. Warm up the new transmission fluid by allowing your engine to run for about 10 minutes again.

Mechanic vs DIY

While it is easy to change the transmission fluid of your Chevy Silverado by yourself, there are reasons why you should indulge a professional mechanic.

• The transmission system might require an advanced fix.
• A professional mechanic would know the correct fluid for your truck.
• The mechanic would do a cleaner and faster job.
• However, if you are confident that you can successfully change the transmission fluid in your Silverado, go for it. Just ensure you check for leakage or any possible problem the vehicle might have.

Conclusion on Chevrolet Silverado 1500 transmission Capacity

In general, the Chevy Silverado 1500 series is a good one from General motors. If you are looking for a light-duty truck with a spacious interior and a monstrous towing capacity, go for one of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 trucks. The features are easy to use and you can tow up to 13,300 pounds with the appropriate engine.